There are a variety of reasons why individuals seek out body contouring treatment beyond just the aesthetics. Some individuals who have experienced weight loss look to body contouring to tighten loose skin, or remove excess skin. Others enjoy the confident boost it can give by helping with body proportions and enhancing certain features. Body contouring is also incredibly helpful for age-related skin and body concerns.

The world of body contouring is deep and complex, as each individual’s needs and goals are unique. Whether you’re considering body contouring, and looking for more insights, or just curious, read below to learn more about body contouring and what it entails.

What Is Body Contouring vs. Body Sculpting?

Simply put, body contouring is either a non-invasive, or invasive, procedure to improve the look of skin-related issues. You may have heard the term “body sculpting,” which still falls under the umbrella of body contouring, with only a few differences. One main difference is that body sculpting is a term for more invasive, surgical procedures to improve the appearance of loose or sagging skin. On the other hand, body contouring is more of a specific term for non-invasive procedures. Overall, both serve to change the shape and look of the body, and more directly, its skin!

Targeted Areas for Body Contouring:

The unique thing about body contouring is that it can target lots of different parts of the body that are looking for improvement. Some commonly treated areas for body contouring include:

  • Chin
  • Abdomen
  • Upper arms
  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Hips

These are some popular areas that can be treated with body contouring, but this kind of treatment is not only limited to these areas. A skilled provider will be able to curate the right treatment plan based on what your goals are, and the area you’re wanting to treat.

Type of Body Contouring Procedures:

Since body contouring can treat a variety of different areas of the body, there are certain methods that work better for you based on the area. The main goal of each medium is to destroy excess fat cells. There are non-invasive and invasive body contouring procedures.

Non-invasive methods include:

  • CoolSculpting uses a cooling feature to remove excess fat (non-invasive)
  • Lasers to break apart excess fat (non-invasive)
  • Radiofrequency (like Morpheus8) uses ultrasound waves to removes excess fat (non-invasive)
  • Kybella

Invasive methods include:

Each method will result in different downtime and longevity. More invasive methods of body contouring can last a lifetime, while non-invasive may only last from one to three years. Again, a skilled provider will be able to go over your goals with you to create the right treatment for you.

Doctor performing coolsculpting on patient

Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Body Contouring?

Anyone who is looking to tighten, re-shape, or change the appearance of their skin can benefit from body contouring. However, an ideal candidate for body contouring is someone who has experienced significant weight loss which may have led to excess skin.

Further, this is an excellent option for an individual who is looking to remove excess fat, but can’t seem to remove the stubborn fat that seems to linger! It is always advised that an individual who is seeking body contouring (invasive or non) shares their medical history with a skilled provider to ensure they are in the right health to receive any sort of body contouring treatment.

10 Things To Know About Body Contouring

 

1. Different Body Contouring Procedures

As previously mentioned, body contouring can either be invasive or non-invasive, therefore it will require different methods. One common non-invasive body contouring procedure is CoolSculpting which works by using a cooling mechanism to reduce excess fat. CoolSculpting is a popular choice for individuals wanting to remove stubborn fat on their abdomen, as well as any other diet or exercise-resistant fat.

If you are interested in an invasive option, then Liposuction may be your answer. Liposuction, aka lipo, is a procedure which can be performed under general or local anesthesia. A skilled surgeon will create an incision where the excess fat beneath the skin is literally vacuumed out. This is a common invasive procedure to better contour the face, neck, arms, and legs, just to name a few!

Selecting the right procedure with body contouring will be dependent on the area, previous medical history, and your goals! A skilled surgeon will be able to evaluate your history, while also helping you select the right body contouring method to utilize.

2. Consultation with Skilled Provider For Body Contouring

Before you confirm any body contouring procedure it is important to do your homework. This may mean visiting different clinics with different providers for second opinions. A skilled provider will provide you honesty and care when it comes to finding the right body contouring procedure for you. A consultation with The Lett Center means one of our skilled surgeons can answer any questions you have, while also considering the right procedure for you. Each surgeon provides quality care, with the skills, to ensure you meet whichever body contouring goals you’re looking for.

It’s important that you trust your surgeon with any body contouring procedure. At The Lett Center each surgeon is one who can be trusted due to their skills, credibility, and eye for detail.

3. Body Contouring vs. Weight Loss Solutions

Some people can find it confusing to see the difference between body contouring and other weight loss solutions, as there are body contouring methods that help to remove excess fatty tissues. Rather, body contouring will help remove the stubborn fat that has been resistant to diet and exercise! By removing the excess fat, body contouring will help to mold and shape a targeted area into your desired look. If you are more interested in weight loss focused treatments consider weight loss injections, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Semaglutide.

4 . Downtime and Recovery Body Contouring Treatment(s)

If you do decide to undergo a body contouring procedure, whether non-invasive or invasive, it is important to understand the recovery process. Body contouring is unlike other aesthetic procedures, as there is a set time you will need to heal and recover for certain methods. For example, liposuction can require 10-14 days of recovery time, or until the bruising and swelling subside. Some providers may also suggest 4-6 weeks before a liposuction patient can return to any strenuous exercises.

Whereas a non-invasive procedure such as CoolSculpting requires little to none downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately, but may still experience soreness or redness of the treated area.

Whichever body contouring method you decide it is important to have a full understanding of what the recovery time could look like for you. This helps to alleviate any surprises, and to also create margin in your life for recovery if needed.

5. Non Surgical vs Surgical Body Contouring

Body contouring procedures can be as quick as non-invasive (not requiring the introduction of instruments into the body), or more in-depth with invasive procedures (involving the introduction of instruments into the body). The non-surgical procedures (non-invasive) are ideal for a candidate who may not feel comfortable with being under any anesthesia, but is still looking for the benefits of body contouring. Non-surgical procedures, like CoolSculpting or radiofrequency, can range in price from $1,000 to $4,000. However, the price is dependent on clinic location, method, and targeted area of the body.

Surgical procedures are more of an investment, with more downtime. This may be an ideal option for the patient who is willing to undergo the time to recover and has the finances to invest in this type of procedure. These surgical procedures, such as liposuction and face/body/neck lifts, can range in price from as low as $3,600 to $20,000. Again, price will vary from provider to provider. So be sure to ask for a more accurate price estimate during your consultation.

6. Plan Out Your Goals with Body Contouring

When it comes time for your consultation, it may be helpful to bring some goals you have to your provider. Share with them certain areas you’re looking to enhance or improve on. With their eye, and skill set, they can either confirm that these are attainable goals or suggest other treatment plans! You both can be on the same page as to what outcome you expect with your treatment. With the help of a skilled provider, they can steer you in the right direction to reach those goals, saving you from any disappointment due to unmet expectations.

7. Body Contouring and It’s Targeted Areas

Body contouring can work on multiple areas of the body. For example, if you struggle with excess abdominal fat, then coolsculpting or liposuction can help to remove the excess tissue. One step further would be a tummy tuck, to ensure a flat abdomen. A tummy tuck not only destroys excess fatty cells, but can remove saggy skin to tighten the abdomen.

Another popular area for body contouring are the arms, inner thighs, and even under the chin! These can be areas where fat tends to be resistant to diet or exercise, and may require a little extra help. For these areas many patients have found success with liposuction (invasive) for arms and thighs, while Kybella is an excellent option for under chin fat.

You’d be surprised how many options you have when looking for the right method for any targeted area! You can explore more of these options in full here.

8. Potential Risk(s) with Body Contouring

With any form of procedure, be it invasive or non, it is always helpful to be aware of the potential risks. While these are rare, and not as common with a skilled surgeon, these can potentially occur when undergoing a body contouring procedure. Some patient who undergo invasive procedures may experience:

  • Asymmetry
  • Blood Clots
  • Infection
  • Skin Discoloration
  • Nerve, Blood Vessel or Muscle Damage

If a patient opts for a non-invasive procedure some of those risks include:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Hives
  • Rash

Regardless of which method is chosen, there is always a chance that the procedure will need a revision procedure if a patient is not satisfied with the results.

9. After Care Post-Body Contouring

Immediately following a body contouring procedure, your provider will share with you what your recovery plan should look like. This will be based on which procedure you have chosen, whether it was non-invasive or invasive.

For invasive procedures, your provider may advise a compression garment on the targeted area for a set period of time. Additionally, they may recommend light walking and movement, but not extreme or intense exercising. Similarly, it can be suggested that you stay hydrated following an invasive surgery, and use appropriate pain medicine when needed.

Typically non-invasive procedures do not require as much down time. You may experience tenderness, swelling, or soreness at the targeted sight. However, your provider may advise you to avoid any rigorous exercises in the first couple of hours.

10. When You See Body Contouring Results

Similar to the recovery process, result time will vary depending which method you choose. Non-invasive procedures, like CoolSculpting, will have results within 3 weeks after a session. From there a provider can determine if you would benefit from any additional sessions to further reach your goals! Meanwhile, invasive procedures, such as lip or tucks/lifts, will have visible results anywhere from 1 – 6 months based on the depth and duration of the procedure.

BodyTite and Body Contouring

BodyTite is a newer form of body contouring that is FDA-approved to help reduce fat in areas of the body, like the stomach, arm, thighs, and breast. This kind of procedure is minimally invasive to reduce stubborn fat and saggy skin with long-lasting results. The main difference between BodyTite and liposuction is found in the name! The former removes fat and tightens skin, while the latter can only remove the fat. BodyTite is an excellent option for the individual looking to provide more contouring to their body by removing stubborn fat, tightening the skin, and with minimal downtime.

Body Contouring at The Lett Center in Nashville, TN

Body contouring is a perfection option for the individual looking to remove excess skin, looking to enhance features, or looking for that extra boost of confidence. Here at The Lett Center in Nashville, TN, our team of dedicated and skilled providers know how to bring your body contouring goals and visions to life!

If you’re ready to get started on the journey, then request a consultation today to learn more about us and for us to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you.